Hasahalo gateway to Group 1 1000 Guineas
Hasahalo has arrived in Christchurch ahead of her bid for the Group 1 1000 Guineas worth $300,000 on Saturday.
Seasoned trainer Stephen McKee is happy with the horse and said she “travelled like the little professional that she is.”
Of more concern to McKee has been the filly’s disrupted build up the big race. “We had to scratch her from most of her lead up races due to unsuitable track conditions. It was five and a half weeks of frustration.”
The 3YO Savabeel x Halloween filly was scratched from the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Stakes and the Listed Soliloquy Stakes respectively, eventually competing in a rating 85 1400 metres at Ellerslie last Tuesday.
McKee was happy with the performance. “It was a hell of an ask from barrier 13 and she was racing well out of her grade. While on paper her finishing position was unfavourable – on sectional times it was very impressive – and gave us good heart to continue on to the 1000 Guineas where she will be back in her age, grade and gender.”
Her work since has been strong. “She is raring to go and should run a very nice race,” says McKee.
Regular rider Sam Spratt will ride on Saturday but will have her work cut out for her from the barrier 13 draw.